Bomb attack, Clarendon Dock, Belfast
22 Nov 2009
A major investigation has been launched by the PSNI Serious Crime Branch after a bomb attack at the headquarters of the Northern Ireland Policing Board at Clarendon Dock in Belfast, County Antrim.
Around 7.10pm on Saturday November 21, a car crashed through barriers at the complex and two men were seen running away. A short time later as the area was being evaciated, a device inside the car partially exploded.
Police believe at this early stage that the device contained some around 200kgs (400lbs) of explosives.
A red coloured saloon car was discovered on fire in the New Lodge area of Belfast a short time after the incident at Clarendon Dock and it is believed at this stage to be linked. Police are appealing for anyone who saw this car being abandoned and set alight in the New Lodge area to come forward and talk to detectives.
Chief Constable Matt Baggott said: "There appears to have been a car bomb placed outside the Policing Board Headquarters last night. It appears to have been a substantial device that was capable of causing significant damage and wreckless loss of life.
"None of this will deter us from the delivery of excellent policing to all people and communities in Northern Ireland and we are determined to bring those people responsible to justice." said the Chief Constable
"Anyone who has information on what happened at Clarendon Dock is asked to contact detectives at at North Queen Street on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. By calling those numbers and giving us information, the community can help us to ensure that policing and the work of the Policing Board is not disrupted by a minority of people who have nothing to hold for the future" he said.
